The wackiest item in George Petrie’s first football equipment order? Morrill’s Nose Mask (patented), a fine rubber, schnoz-protecting apparatus straight out of Silence Of The Lambs.
Among the mask’s selling points listed in Peck and Snyder Sporting Goods catalog were the lack of metal or wires in its construction, it posing no risk to other players, and its “absolute protection” for the nose and teeth. They weren’t required, and by no means did every Auburn player wear one. But some did, even in team photos. Here’s John Heisman’s first Auburn squad in 1896.
Catalog scan provided by David Adkison via Brett Lowman at PlayOKAntiques.com.
Related: John Heisman: Auburn ‘the first to show what could be done’ with the hurry-up offense.
…
Keep Reading:
* ‘My national championship for Auburn in 1913 is a very valid national championship’
* John Heisman: Auburn ‘the first to show what could be done’ with the hurry-up offense
* Auburn theatrical legend John Heisman put on, starred in play to save Auburn football
* The first Coke was sold in Auburn? An Auburn pharmacy professor was certain of it
* Auburn cup spotted on ‘Hoarders: Buried Alive’
* Auburn wore green jerseys TWICE in the 1930s
* An Auburn coed and her machine gun
* Leonardo DiCaprio and his Auburn hat are back—this time on the streets of New York
Like us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter. Want to advertise? Support original Auburn research.
Jay Prosch+ Nose Guard= Bane
Excellent bit of history. Love it.
I didn’t know Christian Bale played for us. HE DOES NOT AGE!